The morning of my wedding my sister and I got up early to shoot scenery around the park for my wedding video (I love video editing). Never mind a huge snow storm rolled in about three hours later and it wasn’t remotely this sunny out for the actual wedding. We still had a lot of fun. 
I’m getting my wedding pics this Friday so expect a wedding post and then a ton of posts on my Hawaiian honeymoon adventures.
I had a half day from work on Friday so of course I made plans to get outside and to the mountains for snow shoeing. I had originally planned to go up to Bertha Falls but when I pulled in there was so little snow that I opted to go on the tried and true trail to Cameron Lake.
The drive into Waterton Park
I got a late start and didn’t hit the trail until 3 pm.
My tracks just off the trail
I took the side path rather than the main trail, which is the trail I have taken cross country skiing and snow shoeing in the past. I was shocked at how much better shape I am in compared to my last snow shoe excursion. I wasn’t breathing as heavy, my legs weren’t as tired, it was awesome!
It was just me too. I didn’t see a single person on the trail. I also forgot my ipod so instead of listening to music like I usually do, I enjoyed the sound of my snowshoes crunching, my breathing, and the birds in the trees. Other than these sounds, it was completely silent. I did find myself wondering what I would do if a cougar attacked me. Ha ha! I have been alone in these mountains a lot without any trouble but once in a while I do wonder.
Saw an owl in the trees
I didn’t make it to Cameron Lake though. I was going along at a good place, but when it hit 3:45 and it was getting darker very quickly I got nervous and turned around. The last thing I wanted was to be stuck up there in the dark with no light! It was a lot of fun, but I would have had more fun if I had a companion.
I love my winter adventures in the mountains
No, not my baby. Ha ha! On Saturday, my friend Catie and I went to Waterton with her baby Olive for a hike. We hiked to lower Bertha Falls and then went down to Bertha Bay to enjoy the beautiful scenery there. We calculated we did about 8.2km that day. I love having my hiking buddy back (and a new one!)
Lower Bertha Falls
I love the mountains!
We rested by a creek after the Falls
On the way down to Bertha Bay
I want to camp at Bertha Bay so bad
Beautiful Bertha Bay
My mum came into town for a short three day visit and I took Wednesday off to spend the day in Waterton with her. I had to cram as much Waterton fun as I could in one day and I think I did a good job- I should be a tour guide!
First off was a quick stop to Prince of Wales to check out the historic hotel and take a photo from that scenic view point.
Outside the Prince of Wales hotel
Then it was off to Bears Hump. I was so excited to school these old folks but for some reason I was DIEING. My legs felt weak and it was a struggle to hike up this. It’s a difficult hike but usually not that difficult. Oh well, they loved the view (who wouldn’t). The best part was on the way down we raced my mum. I thought her knees would give out and she would stop and walk but she jogged down the whole thing! I was very proud of her.
One of many breaks on the way up
Lots and lots of stairs!
Mum and I at the top
Me and my baby brother Ben!
Mum checking out the other side
Looking to the left
Looking to the right
Ben loves Bears Hump
I love living so close to a beautiful place like Waterton and I got some much needed exercise in my favourite place.
Lower Bertha Falls is a very easy hike about 3km (6km round trip) with very little climbing. It offers amazing views and has a few benches placed along the trail to rest. This is a great alternative to Bears Hump because it is mainly flat and all ages can finish this one.
Nothing better than a hike
My playground
Gorgeous views
Lower Bertha Falls
Mt.Vimy
We went off trail when we heard running water and discovered this little waterfall
Had to climb up there!
After our little hike we took our road bikes and headed to the Kootenai Brown trail. This bike/walk path was built last summer and it goes from the town site to the park gates.
Not a bad view for a bike ride
I just love living so close to a place like this!
To end my long weekend with a bang I made my way out to my fave place (Waterton) to see my bestie Keirstyn and for some much needed hiking. The forecast was +10 and the town site is almost snow free already.
Had to get a shot of Cameron Falls
I need to step up my lower body workouts. Those legs are looking big!!
It was so beautiful by the lake
HIKING BEARS HUMP
After my fun with Keir I headed to Bears Hump for my first hike of the season and I was pumped! I got a little thrill putting on my hiking shoes again.
Hello shoes..I've missed you!
When I started the hike, the trial looked good. A little soft with some snow but nothing too bad.
Start of the trail
Then it quickly turned to this! It was so slick the whole way up which made the hike twice as hard. It was actually worse coming down because I didn’t want to lose control and slip and smash my head on a rock. At some points I was crawling on my hands and feet backwards to avoid a slip.
This was so sketchy coming down!
My foot fell in a couple of times
But as always, Bears Hump is worth the effort.
The water was like glass yesterday
Heaven!
There is so much snow still in Waterton it’s crazy. Cameron Lake is covered in snow and it is impossible to get to the buildings. Because of all this snow, there weren’t many hikes covered in snow besides the basics, Bears Hump and Bertha Falls. One that was open was Crandell. I have never done it before and so my little brother and I checked it out.
If you are looking for an easy 4km walk with no steep climbs, this is the hike for you. It also doesn’t have all that much in terms of scenery, the lake is small and the hike itself is your basic forest hike. The highlight of this hike was the small stream we had to get across toward the turnaround point.
This hike can be reached from red Rock Canyon Highway or Cameron Lake highway. It’s perfect if you have small kids or are out of shape and don’t want any serious climbing.
It was still a beautiful day and I enjoyed every second I was outside.
My brother at the trailhead
It was a beautiful day to be in the mountains
Figuring out the best way to cross the stream
Using a log
Yes! Did it! Ha ha
Pretty grove at the end of the hike
Walking in the grove
We left sunny Waterton to drive into this
